October 2026 HIP Newsletter

Welcome to This Month’s HIP Newsletter

October in Edmonton: Lower-Back Care as Colder Routines Set In

October in Edmonton often brings colder commutes, more time indoors and a fresh round of fall chores. If your lower back feels different as routines shift, care should reflect your individual needs, and warning signs deserve appropriate medical attention. In this issue, we look at what evidence-informed physiotherapy can involve and share practical guidance on physiotherapy for lower-back pain, including realistic expectations and choosing a provider. You’ll also meet Sharon Kegwaehi, Registered Provisional Psychologist, and some information on what to do if you experience panic attacks.

 

October Feature Article

Lower-Back Care as Colder Routines Set In

As cooler fall routines settle into Edmonton, changes in activity, commuting, footwear, and time spent indoors can leave your lower back feeling stiff or uncomfortable. Our latest blog explores practical, evidence-based ways to keep moving confidently through the season, including maintaining regular activity, easing into seasonal tasks, and recognizing when professional support may help. With a thoughtful plan and consistent movement, you can protect your comfort and continue performing at your best in sport, business, and life.

 

Read The Full Article

Provider Spotlight

Sharon Kegwaehi MA, BA

Registered Provisional Psychologist

Sharon Kegwaehi, MA, BA, is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who supports youth and adults experiencing anxiety, mood concerns, trauma, stress and emotional difficulties. Her warm, collaborative and strengths-based approach considers each client’s experiences, values, circumstances and goals. Sharon’s previous work as an Early Childhood Educator gives her a developmental lens when supporting children, teens and families. Her clinical training includes person-centred, trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to psychological care. Sharon aims to create a space where clients feel heard, understood and actively involved in their care.

Sharon would love to support you. Click below to book your next session.

Sharon Kegwaehi, Registered Provisional Psychologist at Human Integrated Performance.

“People are wonderfully complicated. Sometimes the behaviour that makes the least sense is the best place to start getting curious.”

Believe

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Human Integrated Performance

Perform

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Human Integrated Performance

Achieve

Physiotherapy Edmonton - Chiropractor - Human Integrated Performance

Recover

Your Next Read

When Should You See a Psychologist for Panic Attacks in Edmonton?

Panic attacks can be frightening and disruptive, especially when fear of another episode begins affecting work, sleep, relationships, driving, exercise, or everyday activities. Our latest article explains when it may be helpful to speak with a psychologist, what distinguishes a panic attack from panic disorder, and how approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure can help address the cycle of fear and avoidance. It also covers what to expect at a first psychology appointment, practical strategies for responding to panic symptoms, and when panic-like symptoms should instead receive medical or emergency assessment.

 

Read The Full Article

Recipe of the Month

Creamy Tuscan White Bean and Chicken Soup

A warm, hearty fall soup with chicken, white beans, spinach and vegetables in a creamy broth. It’s an easy weeknight meal that also makes great leftovers.

Serves: 4–6
Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (540 mL) white kidney or cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup cooking cream or half-and-half
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

How to Make It

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
  2. Add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
  3. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning and thyme. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the white beans. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cream, spinach and Parmesan. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes, until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
  6. Check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Divide among bowls and serve warm. Add a little extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Time-saving tip: Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. Shred about 3 cups of cooked chicken and add it with the beans, reducing the simmering time as needed.

Easy substitution: For a meat-free version, leave out the chicken and add a second can of white beans. Kale can also be substituted for the spinach.

Poll Question

You Have Questions. We Have Answers.

Q: “Why does my body seem to hurt more when I’m stressed, even when I haven’t done anything differently?”

—Heather R.

A: Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel emotionally—it can also affect the body. When we’re under prolonged stress, muscles may stay tense, sleep can be disrupted, and our nervous system can become more sensitive to discomfort. This can make existing aches and pains feel more noticeable or harder to manage. Regular movement, adequate sleep, relaxation strategies, and addressing the source of ongoing stress can all help. If pain is persistent, worsening, or interfering with your daily activities, consider speaking with a healthcare professional to determine what may be contributing to it.

Curious about pain, movement, recovery or performance? Send your question to our multidisciplinary team for a future Ask Our Experts feature.

Ready to Feel, Move and Perform Better?

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, working toward a goal or looking for expert guidance, HIP’s multidisciplinary team is ready to help.

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Lower-Back Care as Colder Routines Set In: An Edmonton Guide to Staying Active

As Edmonton moves into colder months, daily routines often change before we fully notice it. Morning walks become shorter. Commutes involve more sitting and less active transportation. Outdoor training gives way to longer stretches indoors. Then snow arrives, and suddenly the week includes shovelling, scraping windshields, carrying winter gear and

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